Footnotes for “I am Brown”
Stanza One
Sugar: Understood in conjunction with “plantation,” Surujnath could be further highlighting the canfields that Indian indentured laborers worked on.
Stanza Two
Chutney: Dip, sauce, or side dish that is made with fruits, vegetables, and spices. In guyana, Chutney may also be used to refer to the popular music genre or Sour, which is a spicy mango blend.
Stanza Three
Tassa: Bowl-shaped drum hung from the neck and hit with two wooden sticks. Popular in Trinidad and Tobago.
Dhal: Slow boiled lentils (split peas) combined with Indian spices. Typically served over rice.
Jhal: Puffed spicy snack.
Stanza Four
Bhajans: Musical genre (or musical band) that incorporates spiritual and religious references into their songs.
